military funeral rite

leader ship of American legion and VFW

- national level head, national commander -local level ; individual post post commander

military commital service ofr a full honors

-Chaplin/ clergy leads scripture reading and recitation of prayers - firing party salvo -folding of flag -flag presentation

Funeral Director Responsibilities

-Coordinate with -military authorities assist families

military funeral full honors order of 21 of the personnel cortege

1 band 2 escorts (aand firing squad and bugler) 3 colors and guard 4 chaplin/ clergy 5 caisson horse drawn casket transport & casket 6 honorary casket bearers 7 family and friends

order of preference for presentation of the flag

1 spouse 2 children 3 parents 4 siblings 5 uncles or aunts 6 nephew and neice cousin 7grandparetns or close friends

military honors for veterans

1 taps 2 folding of flag 3 flag presentation by a representative of the same branch of service (no firing squad)

committal service

American Legion •Post Chaplain is present; leading the procession from the funeral coach to the grave •Clergy would bear that responsibility if no PC is available •Casket usually covered with a United States flag •Playing of taps •Firing party salvo (rifles - three-volley salute) •Funeral home staff should be prepared to participate in the folding of the flag VFW •Similar ceremonial protocol

Visitation

American Legion the symbols denoting the deceases membership to the american legion -american flag that may be placed either on the casket or folded and displayed nearby - if not dressed in America legion uniform the hat or other sins of membership may be displayed VFW if involved may provide standing honor guard at casket

Funeral service

American legion may be entirely conducted under the american legion with the post chaplain taking the place of the clergy person , in most cases at the gravesite - twenty one individuals used for full military honors with the american legion funeral. -post commander - chaplain -bugler -color bearers (2) - color guards(2) - casket bearers(6) - members of the -firing squad(7) -commander of firing squard VFW similar ceremonial protocol

Burial Flag

Flag provided at no cost to the honor the deceased's service in the Armed Forces; obtained by form VA 2008

military honors

Provided at no cost to Veterans who have been discharged (other than dishonorably); by law, must include the playing of "Taps", the folding of the flag, and the presentation of the flag by a representative of the deceased's branch of service.

Presidential Memorial Certificate

VA Form 40-0247

plot allowance

Veteran's benefit allowing family to recover part of the cost for burial in a private cemetery

burial allowance

Veteran's benefit allowing family to recover part of the cost of the funeral expense

Militarily funeral full honors

active duty or veterans of certain rank or with achievement of high military honor

Notification of Death

american legion and VFW if the family wishes their involvement the family or funeral director will contact the american legion or vfw

dressings / casketing

american legion the family has the option to have the deceased dressed in american legion clothing , no requirements for the type of casket used . VFW family choice the deceased may wear their military uniform

Claim for Standard Government Headstone or Marker (VA 40-1330)

appication for medallion for placement on privately purchased headstone or marker is also placed

casualty officer

assigned to case to help family with arrangements and entitlement paper work

Gold Star Lapel Button

awarded to next of kin for those killed in conflicts with a foreign force DD3

department of defense responsibilities

casualty officer military escort preparation of remains dressing and casketing transportation disposition flag

eligibility of veterans

certificate of release or discharge from active duty DD-214

removal of remains / preparation of the remains

no requirements for American legion and VFW

american legion and VFW

non sectarian the beliefs about religion fall under the armed forces code of non discrimination so all faiths are welcome

brief history american legion

nonpartisan , nonprofit organization 1919 charted by congress as a patriotic veterans organization mission: to advance aims and interests of veterans and help continue friendships formed during military service over 2.4 million members in 14,000 posts worldwide

veterans deaths

notification of death - by someone other than military making the removal , preparation of remains, and dressing and casketing similar to any other deceased visitation funeral follow traditional customs flag and military honors

Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD 214)

official document containing the concise record of military service at the time of separation or discharge from the armed forces necessary for employment benefits and re- enlistement

american legion eligibility

open to all men and woman who served active duty in the U.S armed forces during any of the wars listed below and have been honorable discharged or are still serving - world war 1 - war war 2 - the Korean war -Vietnam war -1990 to today Persian gulf war on terrorism

veteran

person who once served in the active military naval, air service , and was discharged or release therefrom under conditions other than dishonorable

FD responsibilities

procedure information for eligibility complete applications Flag VA 2008 form 1 glad per decendent Burial and Plot benefits - allowing families to recover part of burial expense in private cemetery VA 10-1330M is used to process claim for government medallion placed on headstone in cemetery Headstone or Marker (private cemetery) - VA 40-1330M marker in private cemetery Coordinate burial in National Cemetery Contact appropriate Fraternal or Veteran's organizations

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

started 1899 chartered by congress in amercias oldest combat veterans organization - represents a strong voice advocating for veterans rights mission: to foster comaraderie among United States veterans of overseas conflicts to serve our veterans the military and our communities to advocate on behalf of all veterans over 1.7 million members in 7,700 posts worldwide

VFW eligibility

troops who served honorably in the U.S armed forces in a foreign war or overseas operation as recognized by a campaign medal